Montgomery Triples Previous Day's Number Of New Coronavirus Cases

SILVER SPRING, MD — The Maryland Department of Health confirmed Friday 454 new cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the coronavirus — in Montgomery County. That's more than triple the 148 positive infections reported the day before. The total now stands at 4,754.

That number, health officials say, is expected to grow as more testing becomes available.

In addition, seven new coronavirus deaths were recorded on Friday, bringing the county's death toll to 236.

It is not immediately known how old the victims were when they died — or if they had underlying medical conditions. But so far, health officials say no one under the age of 20 has died from COVID-19.

In recent weeks, the state began counting "probable deaths" — or deaths of individuals who likely were infected, but never tested. Previously, deaths were only counted if they tested positive for the disease.

There have been 26 "probable deaths" in the county, as of Friday, according to health officials.

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Compared to all other jurisdictions in the state, Montgomery County has the second highest number of positive infections. Prince George's County comes in first with 6,735 confirmed cases.

Statewide, 23,472 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The death toll in Maryland now stands at 1,098. Health officials are now recording 94 "probable deaths."

On Thursday, coronavirus deaths eclipsed 1,000 — prompting Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to order the state flag to be flown at half-staff. The flag will remain at half-staff on Friday for Fallen Heroes Day and Saturday for Healthcare Heroes Day.

In Maryland, 97,511 people have tested negative for the virus, 1,517 have been released in isolation, and 1,668 are currently hospitalized.

Case Count By ZIP Code

These are the ZIP codes with the highest coronavirus case counts in Maryland Friday:

• 735 cases — ZIP code 20783 (Prince George's County)
• 477 cases — ZIP code 20906 (Montgomery County)
• 439 cases — ZIP code 20706 (Prince George's County)
• 413 cases — ZIP code 20904 (Montgomery County)
• 408 cases — ZIP code 20902 (Montgomery County)
• 370 cases — ZIP code 20784 (Prince George's County
• 368 cases — ZIP code 21215 (Baltimore/Baltimore City)
• 345 cases — ZIP code 20782 (Prince George's County)
• 321 cases — ZIP code 20785 (Prince George's County)
• 295 cases — ZIP code 21228 (Baltimore County)

Testing Sites In Montgomery County

Montgomery County's newest COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

Other drive-thru test sites in Montgomery County are located in Wheaton and White Oak.

Here's what you need to know about the facility and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Appointments will be confirmed and an ID number will be provided
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

More information about testing can be found here.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of the new coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lists the following as possible indicators of the illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

Health officials say most people with the virus will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. People should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

SEE ALSO:

• Hogan Orders MD Flag At Half-Staff To Honor Coronavirus Victims
  
• MD's New Unemployment Claims Surpass 387K Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• Nursing Home 'Outrage', Unemployment Glitches: Hogan Updates
  
• Expecting Mama Bird On Bethesda Windowsill Offers Coronavirus Respite
  
• 4 Ways To Make Face Masks